Laura Robson beaten on WTA Tour comeback at Indian Wells

Laura Robson reached a significant landmark in her comeback from injury but her first WTA Tour game since August ended in defeat as she lost in straight sets to Magdalena Rybarikova in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

The 22-year-old is stepping up her comeback from a problematic wrist injury which has derailed her career over the last 18 months, but she was let down by a wayward forehand in a 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 defeat to the Russian Rybarikova.

Robson, who last played on the main tour at the US Open, came into the game with a number of Challenger level events under her belt and she held her own in a topsy-turvy first set, which saw both players broken three times.

Laura Robson was beaten in the first round at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells

Rybarikova, ranked 97 in the world, prevailed in the tie-break, but only thanks to a string of unforced errors on Robson's forehand - usually her most dangerous weapon.

Rybarikova took the early advantage in the second set - again helped by an off-radar Robson - getting the early break, and she was able to it see out to book her place in the second round after just under 90 minutes on court.

Robson produced glimpses of her impressive hitting, but may be grateful for the time on court.